Ultrasound device for treatment of intervertebral disc tisssue

ABSTRACT

An ultrasound device and method for the treatment of intervertebral disc tissue for remediation of back pain. An applicator comprises a catheter and/or needle with a distal tip including one or more ultrasound transducer crystals. The crystals produce high-powered ultrasound energy that is transmitted and absorbed in the disc tissue. The resulting temperature elevation of the disc tissue shrinks the collagen fibers in the surrounding tissue, and/or destroying small nerves that may have invaded and innervated the surrounding degenerated tissue, and can provide increased structural integrity and disc support for the fragmented nucleus pulposus to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/230,949 filed on Aug. 29, 2002 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/315,841 filed on Aug. 29, 2001. Both these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to ultrasound applicator devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to the structure, design and use of a minimally invasive ultrasound applicator device for the thermal treatment and repair of intervertebral disc tissue.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The concept of using heat to treat degenerated disc tissue is conventionally known. For example, the orthopedic company ORATEC Interventions, Inc. has developed and marketed a device for thermal spine treatment based on Intra-Discal Electro-Thermal (IDET) technology. IDET technology involves a minimally invasive catheter using RF induction of a hot-wire tip for thermal conduction.

While relatively straightforward in design and use, the ORATEC device is very limited in thermal capabilities and ultimately in treatment efficacy. The region of disc tissue that is heated with this device is quite small with a sharp temperature fall-off from the surface of the catheter tip (therapeutic temperature elevation in the tissue is estimated to be only 1-3 mm from the catheter). As a result, the treatment itself is likely limited in effectiveness for any given patient, simply because the volume of tissue that is heated is not large enough to produce a significant therapeutic effect (i.e., shrinkage of collagen fibers, destruction of invading nerves, and/or reduction of pressure on the spinal nerves).

Furthermore, the design and treatment approach of the IDET catheter is significantly limiting in the general treatment population—it is estimated that more than 50% of the potential treatment population is not even a candidate for this device therapy. This is due to the use of a flexible “navigable catheter” which must be circumnavigated around the disc border between the annulus and the nucleus, positioning the treatment tip back at the posterior region of the degenerated disc. This positioning is possible with a healthy or slightly degenerated disc because the fibers of the annulus help “steer” the catheter around the disc tissue. However, with greater disc degeneration, this positioning is not possible because of the tissue degradation; there is no structure for the catheter to steer around, providing the danger of slippage and puncturing the opposite wall. As a result, the majority of patients, especially those with advanced degeneration or herniation, cannot be treated with this approach.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a treatment device which provides a significant improvement both in the thermal capabilities and therapeutic effects for disc tissue.

It is another object of the invention to provide a treatment device which can be used on an increased percentage of the potential treatment population and disease states.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an ultrasound device that can effectively heat an increased volume of tissue for greater therapeutic effect.

It is still another object of the invention to provide an ultrasound device and treatment approach that allows for treatment during more advanced stages of disc degeneration.

It is finally another object of the invention to provide a robust design for an ultrasound device during insertion while also providing for improved directional control.

Further advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following specifications and claims illustrating the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ultrasound device according to one embodiment of the invention as it is positioned and maneuvered within the spinal body;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a plurality of segmented transducer elements with individual power control according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the invention showing a curved array of transducer elements;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a transducer element according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a transducer element according to another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an individual transducer element according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes an applicator comprising a catheter and/or a needle with a distal tip for direct insertion into the tissue of the intervertebral disc. At the distal tip of the applicator is one or more ultrasound transducer crystals for producing high-powered ultrasound energy to be transmitted and absorbed in the disc tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, energy for the ultrasound transducer(s) is produced by an external RF power generator and delivered through electrical wires connected to the applicator. Small thermocouples can be placed on the ultrasound transducer/applicator and/or in the surrounding tissue to monitor the temperature. Means are also provided for active cooling of the ultrasound transducers by circulating flow of liquid or gas within the applicator.

The treatment process is initiated with the placement of the applicator device into the posterior region of the intervertebral disc tissue. The positioning of the applicator to the selected region of disc degeneration is guided via on-line diagnostic imaging, such as intra-operative fluoroscopic imaging. Power to the ultrasound device is then produced at a level to provide significant temperature elevation of the surrounding disc tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the temperature elevation is greater than 60° C. for the targeted tissue. The temperature elevation is intended to shrink the collagen fibers in the surrounding tissue of the annulus fibrosus, and/or destroy small nerves that may have invaded and innervated the surrounding degenerated tissue, and/or provide greater structural integrity and disc support for the fragmented nucleus pulposus to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

Although these therapeutic effects are intended primarily for treatment of disc degeneration and herniation, this treatment approach with the ultrasound device may also be useful for other symptomatic spinal problems causing back pain, leg pain, etc. Additionally, the ultrasound device may be used to thermally shrink and/or seal the entrance hole and any subsequent unwanted tissue damage upon removal of the applicator from the disc tissue. In another embodiment of the device, the ultrasound transducers may also be used for diagnostic imaging to guide and monitor the treatment process.

The improvements described herein result primarily from the fundamental advantages of ultrasound propagation and heating of soft tissue. The effective energy delivery into the tissue allows for thermal treatment of larger tissue volumes in shorter times. Furthermore, the ultrasound device can be designed to provide selective control of the energy delivery to target and treat a specific region of tissue, dynamically controlling both the size and shape of the thermal treatment region. Extensive research and development activities have previously been completed on such ultrasound devices, and prototype applicators prepared for clinical application have demonstrated the feasibility of this approach.

FIG. 1 shows the ultrasound device positioned in the spinal body according to one embodiment of the invention. The ultrasound device, shown generally at 10, comprises a catheter or needle 12 with a plurality of ultrasound transducer crystals 14 at one end thereof. A guidewire 16 can be placed within the catheter or needle 12 for controlling the direction of the ultrasound device 10 inside the spinal body, shown generally at 18.

FIGS. 2-3 show different embodiments of the individual transducer crystals 14. FIG. 2 shows a plurality of segmented transducer crystals 14. Depending upon the particular system and procedure requirements, it is possible for each of the transducer crystals 14 to have individual power control. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 discloses a curved array of transducer crystals 14. It is possible for the array of transducer crystals 14 to be permanently curved. Alternatively, the array could be flexible based upon the direction and shape of the guidewire 16.

FIGS. 4-6 show different potential cross-sectional shapes for the transducer crystals 14. FIG. 4 discloses a transducer crystal 14 with a cylindrically shaped cross-section. It is possible for the transducer crystal 14 to include or not include angular sectoring. FIG. 5 shows the transducer crystal as having a curvi-linear cross-section. This transducer crystal 14 could have a focused or defocused cross-section, depending on the direction of activation of ultrasound energy. The transducer crystal of FIG. 6 has a substantially planar cross-section. Transducer crystals 14 having cross-sections of other shapes are also possible without departing from the invention's broader aspects.

Additionally, the ultrasound device 10 could use a cooling method, either actively or passively, in order to remove thermal waste energy from the transducer crystal and improve the device's power and performance.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that numerous modifications and changes may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. It is accordingly intended to define the scope of the invention precisely in the claims appended to and forming a part of this application. 

1. A minimally invasive applicator device including an ultrasound transducer for treatment of intervertebral disc tissue, comprising: an insertion device having a proximal end and a distal end for insertion into the intervertebral disc tissue, the insertion device being structurally robust for direct insertion into a targeted area of intervertebral disc tissue without damage or misalignment; an ultrasound transducer crystal to provide thermal treatment coupled to the distal end of the insertion device; an external electrical RF power generator electrically connected to the ultrasound transducer, the generator providing power to the ultrasound transducer which outputs ultrasound energy for the thermal treatment of the invertebral tissue; wherein the insertion device comprises a catheter or needle; wherein the ultrasound transducer crystal includes at least one individual electrical power connection and control element; a thermocouple having a sensor placed within the intervertebral disc tissue to monitor the temperature of the intervertebral disc tissue; and wherein the insertion device is configured for deploying the thermocouple sensor into the intervertebral disc tissue.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein a plurality of transducer crystals are aligned to form an array along the applicator device, wherein each transducer crystal includes an individual electrical power connection.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound transducer crystal has a cylindrical shape to transmit radially dispersive or radially focused ultrasound energy.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound transducer crystal is substantially planar.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound transducer crystal is sectioned electrically and/or mechanically to provide separate active elements within a single ultrasound transducer crystal.
 6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a thermocouple placed on or adjacent to the ultrasound transducer crystal, the thermocouple monitoring the surface temperature of the device and/or the temperature of the tissue/device interface.
 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising means to cool the internal transducer heating by circulating a flow of a liquid or gaseous coolant through the applicator.
 8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a guidewire coupled to the applicator, wherein the applicator is flexible and can be directed or steered by the guidewire in a specific direction within the intervertebral disc tissue.
 9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a separate insertion tool or sheath for introduction into the intervertebral disc tissue, and wherein the applicator is inserted into the tissue through the lumen of the insertion tool or sheath.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the insertion tool comprises a predetermined fixed shape, and wherein the applicator is flexible to accommodate the fixed shape in its passage into the intervertebral disc tissue.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the applicator device is fixedly curved to provide enhanced accessibility of the ultrasound transducer to the posterior region of the intervertebral disc.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound applicator device is also configured to provide diagnostic ultrasound imaging of the intervertebral disc tissue and surrounding tissue to guide and monitor the treatment process.
 13. A minimally invasive applicator device including an ultrasound transducer for thermal treatment and imaging of intervertebral disc tissue, comprising: an insertion device having a proximal end and a distal end for insertion into the intervertebral disc tissue, the insertion device being structurally robust for direct insertion into a targeted area of intervertebral disc tissue without damage or misalignment; an ultrasound transducer crystal to provide thermal treatment of the intervertebral disc tissue and coupled to the distal end of the insertion device; and an external RF power generator electrically connected to the ultrasound transducer, the generator providing power to the ultrasound transducer which then generates high-powered ultrasound energy to be absorbed by the disc tissue; and means for receiving a diagnostic ultrasound signal; and wherein the ultrasound applicator device is configured also to provide diagnostic ultrasound imaging of the intervertebral disc tissue and surrounding tissue to guide and monitor the treatment process in real time.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein a plurality of transducer crystals are aligned to form an array along the applicator device, wherein each transducer crystal includes an individual electrical power connection.
 15. The device of claim 13, wherein the ultrasound transducer crystal is sectioned electrically and/or mechanically to provide separate active elements within a single ultrasound transducer crystal.
 16. The device of claim 13, further comprising a thermocouple placed on or adjacent to the ultrasound transducer crystal, the thermocouple monitoring the surface temperature of the device and/or the temperature of the tissue/device interface.
 17. A method for thermally treating intervertebral degenerated disc tissue, comprising the steps of: inserting, positioning and guiding an ultrasound applicator device into intervertebral disc tissue via diagnostic imaging; applying power to at least one ultrasound transducer in the ultrasound applicator device, the at least one ultrasound transducer heating a designated area of the intervertebral disc tissue; removing the applicator device from the intervertebral disc tissue; and heating an entrance hole with the ultrasound applicator device in order to produce thermal sealing or shrinking of the tissue upon removal of the applicator.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the diagnostic imaging technique used for positioning and guiding the applicator device is comprised of at least one of intra-operative fluoroscopy, CT, MR, ultrasound, laparoscopy, and endoscopy.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the diagnostic imaging comprises ultrasound imaging provided by a transducer crystal located within the applicator device.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of measuring the temperature on the applicator device and/or in the surrounding tissue.
 21. A system for thermally treating intervertebral disc tissue, comprising the steps of: an ultrasound applicator device insertable into intervertebral disc tissue; at least one ultrasound transducer included in the ultrasound applicator device, the at least one ultrasound transducer for heating an area of the intervertebral disc tissue; and therapeutic agent insertable into the intervertebral disc tissue to enhance the effect of the thermal energy from the ultrasound applicator device.
 22. The system of claim 21, further including a diagnostic imaging system used for positioning and guiding the applicator device, the device comprised of at least one of intra-operative fluoroscopy, CT, MR, ultrasound, laparoscopy, and endoscopy.
 23. The system of claim 21, further comprising a device for measuring the temperature on the applicator device and/or in the surrounding tissue. 